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'High above the vast pile of African-adventure travelogues'
NEW YORK TIMES

'At last – intrepid dispatches from a traveller refreshingly aware of his own folly ... Sandham is a likeable and self-deprecating narrator, and I found myself increasingly gripped.'
THE OBSERVER

'A classical account of one man's struggle to test himself against Nature ... his pluck is appealing ... I hope we shall hear more of his travels.'
DAILY TELEGRAPH

'I REALLY enjoyed this book. It had me laughing out loud.'
Emma Gregg, TRAVEL AFRICA MAGAZINE

'Sandham proves to be genial company, approaching the trials of the open road with
self-deprecating humour ... the book is warm and entertaining. Sandham nimbly weaves anecdotes about his illustrious predecessors, notably Livingstone and Stanley, into the story and sensitively recounts the turbulent histories of the lands he travels through. Above all, it is his enthusiasm for adventure and the variety of human life that makes Traversa so memorable.'
NEW STATESMAN

'An authentic tale of self-discovery in the rawest of African surroundings. Sandham's dogged determination is enormously impressive, and his encounters with people and animals (most prominent of which is the devil in donkey form) put this near the top of the pile of African travelogues – and make it one for walkers everywhere.'
IRISH TIMES

'To see what a skilled author can do within epics of solitary travel, I recommend Traversa by Fran Sandham.'
George Fetherling, SEVEN OAKS MAGAZINE

'On a mission to cross Africa on foot, Fran Sandham could have started somewhere easy, like Cape Town or Zanzibar. But he didn't. He chose the Namib Desert, graveyard of explorers ...'
SUNDAY TIMES

'The power and success of the book are a result of careful historical research, his ability to write with wit and candour, and the daunting nature of the task he sets himself. Sandham's droll sense of humour is also key.'
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'A likeable and skilled raconteur, Sandham brings his daring odyssey to life with verve, style and passion.'
BACKPACKER MAGAZINE

'Compelling, witty and insightful'
THE EXAMINER

'A thoroughly uplifting account of an epic journey across Africa ... Sandham writes with wit and a gentle self-deprecating humour, and his extraordinary enthusiasm for his mission appears unabated even in the most trying of circumstances.'
THE GOOD BOOK GUIDE

'A fantastic adventure'
JOHN MCCARTHY

'I didn’t want the adventure to end! This is a gripping read, one which unashamedly refuses to beat about the bush. It will leave you wincing, laughing, moved and inspired, not only by the extremes of Africa and the limits of human endurance, but most of all by the kindness of strangers.'
REAL TRAVEL MAGAZINE

'Both uplifting and thoroughly engaging'
OXFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL

'An African odyssey ... a classic tale of self-discovery ... enough curious encounters with animals and people to fill both National Geographic and the Fortean Times ... Quite openly, Sandham struggles with the quicksand-like tradition of Westerners who set out to pitch themselves against an exotic and naively reductionist landscape. It takes a deft hand to pull such ventures off without veering into dodgy (to put it mildly) stereotype, and Sandham has too much affection for Africa to pay it that disservice ... he comes across as well-meaning, someone who genuinely cares about these things ... his mammoth traverse is pared down and honest.'
IRISH EXAMINER

'Sandham's talent for summoning up the sights, sounds and sensations of the continent is enviable, whether he’s nervously crossing a game reserve or following Livingstone’s footsteps to the Upper Zambezi and Victoria Falls. He has included some nice colour pictures, but his text is even more evocative. Close your eyes and you’re almost there.'
THE HERALD

'Very few people would consider crossing Africa on foot. Even fewer would think of doing it alone without any assistance or safety net to fall back on. Fran Sandham's book Traversa is the complete and fascinating tale of this nutter's African exploits.'
IN LONDON MAGAZINE

'An incredible story ... terrific writing skills and a great sense of humor make this one of my top books for the year. Highly recommended.'
John Speer, GOODREADS.COM

'Unpretentious, lively and inspiring'
THE SCOTSMAN

'Daring and adventurous ... Never does Sandham present himself as over-serious or earnest ... Readers might feel so inspired by the richness of his experience that they'll book a flight to Windhoek, hitch down to the Skeleton Coast and emulate this remarkable year-long journey.'
THE AGE (MELBOURNE)

'Witty and engaging ... told with great humour and passion.'
WATERSTONE'S

'A quirky and enjoyable tale'
DAILY MAIL ONLINE

'Traversa is an honest and hugely amusing account ... In his witty, fast-paced book, Sandham describes his trials and tribulations, hilarious mishaps and encounters with memorably bizarre characters, while at the same time giving fascinating insight into the history of the Victorian explorers. Sandham's love for Africa is contagious as he makes you feel like you are right there with him, experiencing every step of this brave journey.'
SOUTH AFRICA MAGAZINE

'Africa is given a fresh and hugely amusing perspective in Traversa ... The result is a heart-warming reflection of Africa's people and places.'
METRO

‘Traversa is imbued with a rich sense of humour, featuring sclerotic Afrikaners, recalcitrant donkeys, and amorous backpackers. Traversa reassures the less intrepid that epic adventure is not beyond us ... Reading Traversa is not an insight into a troubled soul, it is much more akin to a genial friend's recollections ... it's a highly enjoyable read that bears taking some time over. You have fun reading it, and by the end of the process you feel edified. I'm not sure you can really ask for much more from a book.’
SOUTH LONDON BOOKS

'A wickedly funny read. Sandham's dry sense of humour and sharp observational skills bring his bizarre experiences to life; his wit and obvious intelligence make it an engaging and thought-provoking account ... a highly amusing book ...'
OPTIMA MAGAZINE
 
'A very honest account of blisters, raging heat, disastrous donkeys and a bloody-mindedness to achieve his goal ... such an engaging read ... rather heroic ... the author drags you along with his fierce, unbending determination.'
THE ARGUS

'A warm, humorous, and distinctly individual account of a remarkable adventure ... From the outset Sandham is more than willing to take diversions, historical and geographical, as the mood takes him. It’s an idiosyncratic approach, and typical of Sandham, but one that is hugely rewarding to the reader.'
YORKSHIRE EVENING POST

'Frank and uplifting, a well-written account.'
WANDERLUST

'Sandham discovers a unique view of Africa, its people, and its early explorers ... Understated, the book is spiced with the author’s self-deprecating humour and dry wit, as his early naivety is replaced by sheer bloody-mindedness, superhuman stamina and extraordinary penny-pinching. A great read.'
WILD MAGAZINE, AUSTRALIA

‘Fran Sandham’s book recalls his adventures in an enthralling and moving way. This is not just an account of a journey but it gives a real feeling of the spirit of the country through which he passes. The account of the walk is blended with historical background and folklore, and the horrors of the slave trade and the savage wars of the continent are vivid. This is a compelling story with which walkers can identify and which opens one’s eyes to life in central Africa. A recommended read!’
STRIDER MAGAZINE (Journal of the Long Distance Walkers Association)

'There is something undeniably compelling about the sheer audacity, or perhaps insanity, of Sandham’s undertaking …  It is almost impossible to remain detached. Even reading the book between cool sheets with clean, running water just yards away, one cannot but be drawn in by Sandham's descriptions of the almost indescribable desert heat, utter exhaustion and very real danger of lion attacks, as well as the colorful characters and unconditional acts of kindness he encounters along the way.
     The details of the Victorian explorers, which are woven through the book and bring an unexpected historical perspective to what could easily have degenerated into a self-centred yarn, make Traversa a fascinating testimony to the unquenchable curiosity and bloody-minded endurance of true adventurers.'
SUITE101.COM

'Engaging and humorous ... this awe-inspiring memoir is evidence of Sandham's determination, free spirit and pure obsession with the African continent.'
STRAND BOOKS, NEW YORK CITY

'Interwoven with great humour and anecdotes from the explorers who inspired him ... a very gripping story.'
NAMIBIA NEWS

'In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa. The book is filled with dry humour … I heartily recommend it.'
GUD MAGAZINE

‘A very honest account of Sandham’s travail across Africa … a dry sense of humor and irreverent writing style … Traversa will take you on a memorable journey across Africa, a roller-coaster ride that stretches all the way from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.’
TRANSITIONS ABROAD

'It's a Boy's Own fantasy that most people have had at one time or another, but one that is gradually displaced by the weight of work, family, mortgages and bills. But Fran Sandham is one of the tiny minority to untangle themselves from the rat-race and follow his dream ...'
DAILY POST

'This is real old school adventure ... Great stuff!'
ADVENTURE TRAVEL

'Despite this being a solo voyage, readers really get to come along for the ride, and will find Fran excellent company.'
ABROAD MAGAZINE

'Traversa is bulging at the seams with humour and a clear love of Africa ... Sandham is hardly the epic figure we conjure up when you imagine someone daring enough (and not a little crazy) to cross Africa on foot, particularly, when it seems to be on some kind of a whim, without backing or support. But then, perhaps Sandham isn't as normal as he would have us believe. At the nucleus of this plan is a burning ambition and personal desire so ferocious that it is astonishing …
      The Africa that we have all grown accustomed to via the media, whether it be the news, tabloids or the American film industry is shattered in part. To be sure, there are dangers but it would seem that the arrival of a solitary, seemingly insane white man into rural Africa just made everyone want to be helpful. Traversa is more like talking to your friend about a very, very long holiday they once took – there is nothing starchy or staid about this book. Full of warmth, humour and a lot of balls, this was an immensely enjoyable read.'
THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOKS

'Hot stuff! If you're looking for an adventure and don't fancy getting off the couch yourself, this is just the book you need. Gripping, inspiring and very funny, Traversa also has its moments of pathos. Highly recommended.'
HOLLAND HERALD

'Well written and amusing'
CITYLIFE

'This book kept me riveted from start to finish. Fran seems like such a likable, down to earth guy and tells his story with such humour and humility that you feel you're there with him.'
BLACKWELL BOOKSHOP ONLINE

'What sets Traversa apart from other quixotic quests is the author's self-deprecating humour and genuine warmth for the people he meets on his journey.'
OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

'Forget endless near-death experiences and eating your own dogs to survive. Fran Sandham reminds us all that adventure can be undertaken with a large spoonful of humour too.'
SPORT MAGAZINE

'An inspirational book ... such a good read ... all the ingredients that make a good story ... a compelling protagonist ... evocative descriptions of the people he meets and the places he sees.'
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

'Traversa is a gem, the true tale of a determined and courageous man’s solo walk across Africa … you’ll be thoroughly entertained. [Sandham] brings his experience to life in his writing, with wonderful descriptions of changes in scenery and wildlife … He must of course be very fit but I love the way that whenever he gets a chance he drinks large amounts of alcohol, stuffs his face with junk food, and is generally very funny and self-deprecating … This book is exciting, fascinating, hilarious, reflective, and illuminating. I thoroughly recommend it.'
BOOKSONLINE.CO.UK

'An epic journey, told as a jaunt: it's a fabulous read and surprisingly enlightening one. I may have expected a poetic approach – I was rewarded with something entirely different. Sandham’s tribulations make excellent copy … his style is utterly conversational, full of tremendous wit. He simply tells it as it was, with a good dollop of history on the side.'
THE BOOKBAG

'An engaging and often hilariously self-aware account'
INSIGHT MAGAZINE

'Ever considered walking across an entire continent? That's exactly what Fran Sandham did ... Traversa is the funny and engaging account of this extraordinary journey.'
IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER

'A fascinating tale written by an Englishman who decides he needs to accomplish something meaningful in his comfortable but meandering life ... He intersperses his experience with those of his 19th-century forerunners so that the reader learns a great deal about the countries he traverses. His respect and admiration for the people he meets along the way is obvious. Most of us will never attempt such an astounding trek but we will be inspired by Sandham’s indomitable spirit.'
Gail Goodrick, READER'S BANQUET

'A great feat'
HERALD AND POST

'For everyone who's said there are no more travel adventures left'
Tom Swick, SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL

‘Jaw-dropping traveller's tales’
THE OCELOT

‘What gets your bags packed and off travelling? The sun, food, a great film even? Well, for us it’s literature - Traversa by Fran Sandham.’
BLACK TOMATO

'An epic journey ... humorous and inspiring.'
BOOKTIME MAGAZINE

'A gloriously quirky piece of travel writing.'
HAM&HIGH

'Sandham recounts his journey in the excellent Traversa with wit and self-deprecating humour.'
TRANSMITTER MAGAZINE

'Fran Sandham decided to retrace the traversa on foot ... It’s a frankly lunatic idea but Sandham’s deft way with explaining the explorers’ history and context as they guide his contemporary trek creates a page-turning narrative that helps the reader empathise with why he felt compelled to make the crossing in this most difficult yet rewarding way.'
TRAVELHAPPY

'You have to admire Sandham's perseverance – even in folly ... What keeps you turning the pages of Traversa is the voice of Sandham himself: slightly self-deprecating, somewhat bemused, and always ready to get up in the morning, shoulder the giant pack and see what the day will bring ...'
NATURAL HISTORY MAGAZINE

'With more than a dash of grit and obsession, Fran Sandham left behind London's daily grind to undertake an extraordinary 3,000-mile walk across Africa. Part travelogue, part humorous whimsy, Traversa interweaves adventure with historical tales of battles, conquests, cannibalism and the madness of famed African explorers Livingstone, Stanley and Grogan.'
WALK MAGAZINE

'An amusing page-turner – let's hope Fran Sandham crosses another continent soon ...'
ACTIVE MAGAZINE

‘Remarkable … the fascinating story of an epic journey … Sandham believes you can find adventure anywhere if you look hard enough - just leave the donkey at home …’
KENT ON SUNDAY

'Stuffed with adventure, blazing sunshine, catastrophic donkeys and dangerous, unfamiliar landscapes.'
SOUTH AFRICAN

'Sandham knows how to tell a good yarn at a pace which I am guessing matches his hyperactive personality, and he is very funny ... his Traversa is a huge achievement.'
MAMA TEMBO TIMES

'A gripping tale'
RISE MAGAZINE

'The twinkle in his eye and the self-mocking tone Sandham occasionally adopts doesn't hide the fact that deep down he's a pretty tough character'
LIVING SOUTH MAGAZINE

'Young and foolish, Rough Guide editor and inveterate traveller Sandham writes with down-to-earth glee of the personalities, hardships, pleasures and idiocy of a solo walk (sometimes in the company of a donkey or mule) through tough terrain.'
LONGITUDE

'An astonishing journey - one that almost, almost makes you want to follow in his footsteps.'
COUNTRY WALKING

'A witty account ... In a market saturated with travel writing, this lively and funny narrative stands out.'
BYOKIDS.COM.AU

'I was intrigued by this book ... A funny and engaging account of this incredible journey.'
GREENOCK TELEGRAPH

'An inspiring tale'
GAPYEAR.COM

'An epic trek ... Some people find the walk from the tube station to the office taxing enough ...'
THE WHARF

'What an amazing feat! Fran Sandham walked across Africa – all the way – alone – no film crew, no Land Rover escorts, and very little money. What he does travel with is humor, modesty and considerable writing talent. I’m glad I wasn’t on the trip with him, but I would have liked to have met him in a bar (where he seems to spend quite a bit of time) afterwards.'
UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE, WASHINGTON

'An incredible journey'
YOURLOCALGUARDIAN.CO.UK

'Heroes push to the limit ... Filled with amazing adventures, there are also plenty of laughs, not least the time when Fran enlists the help of a donkey ...'
DOCKLANDS

'A gripping account'
ROMFORD RECORDER

'An incredible tale of African adventure ... an epic journey'
READING EVENING POST

'Sandham's groundbreaking journey is told with great humour in Traversa.'
FREELANCE WRITING

'An epic adventure'
WIGAN WORLD

'It's great to relax and read about other exerting themselves. Fran Sandham is great company during his account of a three thousand mile solo walk west to east across the African continent. You'll really love the tales involving the mule from hell which Fran was conned into buying "to help".'
LEWISHAM LIBRARY SERVICE

‘Traversa will always have a special place in my heart as the first piece of adventure literature I read back in school, and I can guarantee that this book will have you in stitches and tears as well as brief interludes of philosophical pondering!’
Helen Astle, ‘THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER’, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL EXPEDITIONS SOCIETY